Then, his daughter realized the truck's gas tank would explode and could engulf the house in flames. She jumped in the driver' seat and gunned the truck sideways on its three remaining wheels, away from the house.

She then grabbed a garden hose and began spraying down the house before firefighters arrived.

Charlotte Heffelmire's grandmother and 3-month-old niece were able to exit the home. She suffered burns to her feet and hands, and a back injury has kept her from returning to the Air Force Academy. She said her plans for the future include public service.

"If I can't do any of the military branches, then probably just intelligence or government work," she said. "Right now I'm just healing up and making sure the family is OK."